Another Ozarks Asian restaurant isn’t really news, but a new downtown restaurant that offers several types of Asian cuisine in one spot certainly is. While Springfieldians can get Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese fare at several spots around town, reader Marion Peebles says Blu Sesame has ’em all — along with the sauces to set it apart.

Marion's Take

Marion can’t help it. She loves sauces, and she loves local spots to fulfill her cravings. Chain restaurants? Pshaw. Those are boring. A real treat is finding that one spot she can turn her friends on to. She prides herself on convincing friends that authentic, genuine, local fare is the way to go. And every convert along the way is a big victory.

She first discovered Blu Sesame when she purchased a Groupon for the restaurant. She noticed the inexpensive prices — especially for a downtown restaurant — and loved how she could order distinct Blu Sesame dishes, but also many of her other Asian favorites.

Her favorite Blu Sesame original? The Blu Sesame Nachos ($6.99). These nachos aren’t the typical south-of-the-border version. They feature thin, crispy tortilla chips with shredded chicken, baby corn, black beans, and, of course, sauces: a teriyaki glaze, wasabi aeoli and lemon-cajun sauce. She loves the wasabi aeoli, which is made with Japanese mayonnaise. “It really is different than American mayonnaise,” she says.

We also order the Dragon Roll ($9.95). It’s a flash-fried sushi roll with cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, spicy tuna and crab. To those who aren’t sure about sushi, Marion says, “Just try it.” The sushi comes with an amazing sauce, and that’s the highlight for Marion. “If you can make a good sauce, I’m all about it.”

We also share the Vietnamese spiced stir-fry noodles ($6.99). It reminds Marion of lo mein. “I think all lo mein should taste like this,” she says. Lo mein noodles can be dull, and they usually don’t taste as good as she thinks they will, but Blu Sesame’s version never disappoints.

Katie's Take

It seems that Springfield has its yearly crazes. Cupcakes, sushi, serve-yourself frozen yogurt. When something’s a hit, we do it big. So, I’ve had my share of sushi and eclectic Asian fare, but I love sushi, so I’ll never complain about trying a new spot.

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Blu Sesame has only eight specialty sushi rolls, but I can’t leave an Asian restaurant without trying one if it’s available. The Dragon Roll seems reasonable, because how can anything flash-fried be bad? Take something delicious like sushi and add a crispy breading. Yep, and it tastes as amazing as it sounds. I’m always amazed when people tell me they don’t like sushi. American sushi has savory flavors, and how much more American can it get with flash frying? Cream cheese, crab and avocado — and, of course, Marion’s favorite sauces — make the roll a hit.

The Blu Nachos, though, are easily the highlight of my meal. I think I might’ve eaten my weight in shredded chicken, delicious sauces and thin, crispy tortilla chips. Checking out Blu Sesame for the nachos alone is a must. They’ll easily become a new favorite. Believe me.

Splitting the Vietnamese noodles gives me more than enough for a main course. Marion’s right. Lo mein noodles from a drive-thru always leave me feeling bored. I expect great flavors and then end up disappointed. Blu Sesame’s flavors, though, keep me satisfied, and I love all the vegetables in the dish. There’s ample sauce to keep sauce hounds like me and Marion satisfied, and I love the kick of the jalapeños.

The Dish, the Restaurant

Co-owner Arthur Coats decided it was time to venture out on his own after a lifetime of working in restaurants. His growing family, he says, made his focus more on his future.

Arthur’s not new to the restaurant scene. His family owned the old Silk Road restaurant on Battlefield Road, and they also own Mijuri on South Campbell Avenue. He’s worked at both, including some upscale sushi spots in St. Louis. “I’ve always been in the restaurant business background growing up,” he says.

He wanted Blu Sesame to be small and efficient. Larger restaurants — with equally large menus — are too much to manage. Because he can focus on a smaller space and a smaller menu, he’s able to provide a more quality product.

In addition, he recognizes that the troubled economy makes it harder for customers to eat out. “Everything on our menu is under $10,” he says. So far, the business model has worked for Arthur. “We’re still here, and we’re doing good.”

Marion and I love the nachos, and a lot of other customers do, too. Arthur admits they’re one of his favorites, as well. “I probably eat it at least once a day. It’s just so light, yet filling,” he says. He pulls the baked lemon chicken by hand, or customers can order the nachos with tuna on top.

Arthur admits Blu Sesame is not a full-blown sushi bar, but he wants what he does have to be the best. His signature rolls pair some of the best sushi flavors to give customers a sampling of sushi greats.

The Vietnamese noodles get their flavor from the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, pho. He uses cilantro and bean sprouts in the stir-fry so that customers can enjoy those flavors in stir-fry form, instead of the traditional soup.

Noodles, sushi and nachos. Yep, not much more makes me happier on an average weeknight. Next time you’re downtown, consider stopping at Blu Sesame, and don’t leave without ordering the nachos.